The all-new 2nd generation Kia Seltos is coming to PH
The Kia Seltos is like an introvert in a group. Since its local introduction in 2019, it didn’t really make waves, just sitting quietly in the shadow of the Korean automaker’s more popular offerings, as well as rival models from other brands.
The all-new second generation was unveiled late last year, and Kia Philippines has confirmed that it will be launching here in the Philippines. We were even invited to take it out on a long road trip in South Korea which you can read about here.
READ: We drove the all-new Kia Seltos in South Korea and it’s showing a lot of promise
Now, we don’t have any specifics about the Philippine-spec Kia Seltos yet as that’s to come at a later date, but here’s what we know so far.
Built on Kia’s K3 platform, the all-new Seltos is larger than before, measuring at 4,430mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,600mm tall. It rides on a slightly longer 2,690mm wheelbase as well.
Design-wise, it follows the brand’s Opposites United design language, and mixes different design cues from different Kia crossovers.
Its front fascia takes inspiration from the EV9 with its vertical daytime running lights, matched with a wide Tiger Nose front grille that has the headlights integrated into it, while the side profile maintains its Seltos profile. Meanwhile, the rear goes for an EV5-like design with taillights that wrap around and form two L shapes. The bumpers and wheel arches also give a rugged touch to what is otherwise a futuristic exterior.
Inside, the Seltos features a minimalist dashboard with a stacked layout which looks somewhat identical to what other Kia products offer these days. A large panel features a trio of screens—a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a five-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen.
Again, exact specifications for our market are not yet available, but features in South Korea include reclining rear seats (up to 24 degrees), a panoramic sunroof, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, 64-color ambient lighting, and Kia Connect Store functionality for digital personalization and entertainment.
An X-Line trim adds some rugged and sporty touches to the regular Seltos such as gloss black bumper trim and body cladding, a front honeycomb grille, blacked-out 19-inch wheels, and mesh headrests,
As for powertrains, three options were made known to us.
First is a 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged engine making 180 horsepower and 265Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. A higher output version is also available, making an increased 193 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For those who prefer a more traditional setup, there’s a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine carried-over from the first generation, making 149 horsepower and 179Nm of torque, mated to a CVT.
Those looking for an electrified powertrain can get a 1.6-liter GDI engine paired to an electric motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery. This produces a combined 141 horsepower and 265Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This option also comes Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) functionality and Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0.
Though likely not to come with the Philippine-spec Kia Seltos, Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 are equipped. Other advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) include Safe Exit Warning, a Surround-View Monitor (360-degree camera), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse (reverse emergency braking).
The subcompact crossover segment is a very crowded and competitive space in the Philippines. With strong rivals from Chinese and Japanese rivals, Kia Philippines will definitely have to price and spec this right.
Are you excited for the all-new Kia Seltos’ arrival in the Philippines?
